54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 2 - Interactive dialogue on report of Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar
Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Chargé d’affaires, Anu Konttinen of the Permanent Mission of Finland in Geneva.
11 September 2023
Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We fully support the work of the IIMM. We welcome its increased cooperation with civil society and initiatives regarding the wellbeing of both witnesses and staff members. Furthermore, we welcome the financial investigations on issues that have had a direct impact on victim communities.
The report tells of sexual and gender based violence, torture, extrajudicial killings, enlisting children, burning and destroying civilian objects and other crimes, some of which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. We fully condemn all human rights violations and abuses in Myanmar and call for an immediate end to brutal attacks on civilians, including the Rohingya.
Despite lack of cooperation from the junta, first hand testimonials in the IIMM repository have increased. We will not turn our back on the brave survivors and witnesses, but keep on calling for accountability.
We urge the junta to fully cooperate with the IIMM, respect human rights and uphold the rule of law, and fully implement the ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus.
Thank you.